RDD 151
"Mom."
"Oh, Roman. What's wrong?"
Roman appeared in the living room and approached his mother. He was frowning, it made Penelope confused.
Every afternoon, Penelope's favorite telenovela was aired on the television. This was the time when she could solo the television all she wanted.
Of course, her favorite telenovela was none other than The Slap-Soiled Woman, starring Mari Mar.
"Mom... there are two old men outside. Dad said they are my grandfather and great-grandfather... Should we let them inside the house?"
"..."
When Penelope heard her son, she became silent. Then, she sighed and stood up.
She knew that this moment would arrive. From the moment she met Sean and Keith's family, she knew that she would face Ernesto Castillo.
Still, she married Keith and she loved him. She didn't want to be afraid and hide. She had to face the man. After all, she knew that her husband would always protect her.
With a solemn expression and slightly pale face, she stepped out of the house and found Keith's relatives.
"Good afternoon, Mister Ernesto."
Penelope recognized the man next to her Mother-in-law. That man was none other than Ernesto who tried to give her money and abort the Roman...
"Y-Yeah. Hello, Penelope."
"Hm?"
Penelope expected that Ernesto would greet her in a very strong way. Yet he stuttered instead.
She looked at the man and realized that he was actually nervous!
'What happened?' She thought.
It was different from what she expected. Ernesto Castillo was an ambitious person who wanted the best for his family. He didn't accept a woman poor like Penelope, a woman from a family of farmers.
"Honey, let's go inside and talk to Dad and Grandpa."
Penelope glanced at her husband and nodded.
"Mommy, carry~"
Sophia extended her hands, saying that she wanted her mother to carry her. Penelope took her daughter from Keith and led them inside.
Roman was already sitting there, serious as always.
The Castillo found their seats... and the atmosphere was very awkward. No one could speak, because they didn't know what to say at this moment.
"Aish... Ernesto, I believe you have something to say to Keith's wife."
Old Bradley decided to speak and start the conversation.
"Yes, father."
Ernesto Castillo was a prideful person. A hardworking guy who hoped to establish his family as a bonafide rich family.
Even though he had millions in his bank account, his inferiority complex was very strong and he couldn't let go of the thoughts that he was still a poor person from a poor family.
Because of that inferiority complex, he could not accept someone like Penelope. He was okay with his sons marrying an actress or a simple woman. But farmers were a different thing...
However, at this moment, Ernesto decided to let go of his pride and apologize. His son was more important than his pride.
"Penelope, I know that I did something bad to you. I apologize for what I did. It's alright if you can't forgive me, I just hope that you won't close the door of your house to me."
"..."
Penelope bit her lip. Keith held her hand to assure her that he would accept any of her decisions.
Penelope looked at her husband and nodded. She closed her eyes before staring at Ernesto.
"Mister Ernesto... I can't say that I already forgive you. But I will not stop you from visiting the house and visiting the kids. You are their grandfather, after all."
"I understand. Thank you. I hope the kids will visit us sometimes too."
"It all depends on the kids if they want to see you."
"Alright."
The living room was silent for a second before Old Bradley opened his mouth.
"Since you guys already talked about it, then I will introduce myself. I'm Bradley Castillo. As Ernesto's father and Keith's grandfather, I want to say that you're very amazing for taking care of your family. Thank you for taking care of Keith and the kids."
Old Bradley bowed his head and Penelope was stunned.
Penelope didn't know much about Old Bradley because Keith rarely talked about his family. She knew that her husband missed his family so she didn't want to make him sad by asking about his family.
She only knew that Old Bradley was the founder of Castillo Construction and Castillo Carwashes.
Except for that, she had no idea about him.
When she heard how the old man praised her hard work, on how she did her best to make sure that her family would have better lives, Penelope felt her lips curling up.
At least someone recognized her hardship and praised her for her achievements.
It was very hard to take care of the two kids. Sophia was very mischievous and always loved attention. Roman loved sitting in the corner with his toys, Penelope had to remind him to eat and shower.
Furthermore, she had to cook and clean every day. This monotonous way of living was consuming her. If not because of her love for her family, she might break down.
When she heard Old Bradley's praise, she could not help but smile and shed some tears.
She glared at her husband.
"Keith, you should be a gentleman like your grandfather."
"Honey, I'm always a gentleman to you."
Keith chuckled and kissed her hand. Penelope scoffed but she didn't him.
With Old Bradley's praise, the atmosphere became better.
"Well then, here are my gifts for my two great-grandchildren. Half of these gifts are from me!"
Old Bradley announced although all of the gifts were actually from Ernesto.
Ernesto and Keith almost said something but Old Bradley just looked at them.
They decided not to destroy his image...
'Hah! You should respect that I didn't say that I own all the gifts. I only claimed half of them!'